Yaw Owusu, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railways Development Authority, conducted a test on the train in Poland during the handing-over ceremony last Friday.
A ceremony in Poland marked the official handover of the newly assembled train, designed for railway transportation in Ghana, to the Ghanaian government. This signifies a significant milestone for Ghana's transportation sector as it represents the initial batch of 12 cutting-edge trains from Poland.
The train is designated for operation on the recently established Tema-Mpakadan standard-gauge railway line. Its route will encompass transporting passengers from Mpakadan through Kpong, Juapong, Doryumu, leading to the Tema port. Subsequently, passengers will have the option to switch from the standard-gauge line to a narrow-gauge line, allowing them to reach the heart of Accra. The Tema-Mpakadan railway line spans 97 kilometers and serves as a standard-gauge railroad connecting Tema to Mpakadan, facilitating the movement of goods and people along the Eastern corridor of Ghana.
It serves as a crucial component of the comprehensive transportation network connecting the Tema port to the southern region of Ghana and extending to the inland port in the northern part of the country. The construction progress of this railway line is nearly finalized, with approximately 98 percent completion expected by 2024. This railway project is an integral segment of the envisioned Ghana-Burkina Faso interconnectivity project, spanning 1000 kilometers, linking Ouagadougou to the Port in Tema.
Arrival of train in Ghana
The initial train, engineered for efficient operation on both regional and long-distance routes, is anticipated to arrive in Ghana by mid-March 2024. Notably, this marks the first standard-gauge train acquisition by the Ghanaian government exclusively for operations within the country. The formal handover ceremony took place in Poland on Friday, February 2, 2024. The projected timeline envisions the departure of the train from Poland around mid-February 2024, with an estimated transit duration of approximately four weeks, reaching Ghana in mid-March.
Subsequently, the train will undergo comprehensive system testing, addressing any identified gaps, conducting trial runs, and ultimately becoming prepared for inauguration by the President, expected to take place in June 2024.
During the ceremony in Poland on Friday, February 2, 2024, where the Polish manufacturer PESA handed over the train, Yaw Owusu, the CEO of the Ghana Railways Development Authority, emphasized the significance of a robust railway system for national development. He underscored the country's commitment to constructing a 4000km railway network as part of its industrialization agenda. Owusu highlighted the achievement as a crucial milestone, especially in alignment with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's vision to revitalize the railway sector. This marks a historic moment as Ghana introduces its first standard-gauge railway system, departing from the previous use of narrow-gauge trains.
Following the trial of the train, Mr. Owusu expressed that the experience was truly exceptional.
He emphasized the importance of continuous and diligent maintenance to ensure the longevity of the train, which is designed to last for 30 years and beyond. Ghana aims to establish a lasting partnership with PESA for future collaborations, considering their capability to support the Ghana Railway network. An initial 5-year agreement has been signed with PESA, with hopes of extending the maintenance period to 10 years, ensuring the sustained durability of the train for the benefit of the Ghanaian people. Encouraging the public, he urged Ghanaians to embrace and utilize train services.
The acquisition of these contemporary trains is part of a comprehensive contract between Ghana Railways and the Polish manufacturer, with provisions for the potential addition of 10 more vehicles in the future. The technical specifications of these diesel multiple units closely resemble the well-regarded RegioFox vehicles manufactured by Bydgoszcz for Czech Railways.
This strategic initiative by Ghana Railways highlights the government's dedication to enhancing the efficiency and capacity of the rail network. The introduction of these modern trains is anticipated to enhance the overall passenger experience and contribute to the economic development facilitated by the railway network.
As Ghana's transportation landscape undergoes transformation, the arrival of these contemporary trains signifies a promising era for the country's rail sector, offering the potential for improved connectivity, efficiency, and economic growth.
SOURCE: www.cometodaddy.xyz
